In terms of startups, I can't really comment but what I would advise everyone to do is open your own direct trading account. I've learnt more in the past couple years trading my own stocks (and made better returns) than by sitting on the sidelines like most in a bank managed mutual fund.
This will give you a direct line into the transactional world of finance. I learn best by getting my hands dirty.
Start simple, start with a little bit of money. It's crazy exciting to see when you're making money but terrifying when you're seeing it go down. The best thing about having your own trading account is that you're in control. Buy and sell, whenever and whatever you want. Major banks can open one up for you, or there might be other services that offer this as a service (more so in the US than Canada).
Basically, it costs money to put in an order (to buy or sell stuff). The cost for an order generally gets lower with the higher amount of money in your account and varies by companies offering trading accounts. It's usually around $10 a trade. So $10 to put in an order to buy stuff... then $10 to sell stuff.
My 2 cents, buy what you understand. If it's tech, go with tech. If it's farming, go farming. The biggest burns I've personally had was getting into things I don't fully understand.
Do your research on companies, learn what they're doing, read the news. When are their quarter reports released? Are they making money or not? This is the biggest key to make it work. You have to invest time researching what you think can be profitable.